Your preferred rig for fretless

AlexanderB · #1 12-28-2010, 04:58 AM

This subject has probably been addressed a number of times. But I have not seen it for quite some time and with the continuous introduction of new gear (especially things "NEO", "SMPS", "Class D" etc.), I bring it up.

So, for you owners of multiple rigs and basses, what is your "go-to" rig for fretless bass. And to what kind of gig?

/Alexander

mazdah · #2 12-28-2010, 05:19 AM

Well don't have a fretless yet, but I'm a traditionalist so I'd use Hartke XL or HyDive cab with ten inch aluminum speakers. And Acoustic or Hartke HA4000 head. And a Jazz Bass of course

I'm far from being a Hartke fan, but I'm a huge fan of Jaco. He had a great tone and he used Hartke speakers with very articulate SS amp.

nysbob · #3 12-28-2010, 06:24 AM

I use either a V4B or on SVT through one or two JBL 15"s.

It's not as "sizzly" as some guys like, but it works for me.

I play Americana & rootsy stuff at various volumes.

77PBass · #4 12-28-2010, 11:46 AM

Lookup Fernando Saunders on youtube for the awesomest fretless rig on earth!

Rickett Customs · #5 12-28-2010, 11:47 AM

SVT-VR, with an 810 fridge

blowinblue · #6 12-28-2010, 11:55 AM

I prefer amps and cabinets with no lines.

M. M.

etoncrow · #7 12-28-2010, 12:02 PM

Euphonic-Audio amps and cabinets; size dictated by venue. Effects: VT Bass Deluxe and Empress Parametric EQ. Clean high fidelity sound in a light weight package with superior simulation or EQ tweaking if desired.

Jazzdogg · #8 12-28-2010, 12:07 PM

I've been happy playing fretted, fretless, and DB through my EA iAmp800 with VL208 and/or wizzy 12M cabs; I also like my fretless basses through my other rigs - they're just heavier.

I do have a GB Streamliner reserved

NecroticImbecil · #9 12-28-2010, 10:04 PM

400PS. I know the cabs are hard to see; 2X

and 1

If I only need 300 watts I can lose a Bag End, or lose both for 150 watts. If I don't need that much, a B15. If that's more than I feel like moving, a Neo Pak and the Carvin cab are my most portable. Terribly amateurish rock "music" (well, on a good night it's music).

JimmyM · #10 12-28-2010, 10:26 PM

same as my fretted rig...b-15n or svt/810.

kesslari · #11 12-28-2010, 11:17 PM

Also same as my fretted: Genz Benz head (neopak or shuttle 6) and LDS 15/6/1 or BFM Omni 10.5 or 10

Stick_Player · #12 12-28-2010, 11:25 PM

I prefer my custom VOX AC100-size cab. Single 15, two 10s, horn. Powered by a GK 700rb.

For EFX pedals: Boss chorus and delay.

m.oreilly · #13 12-28-2010, 11:34 PM

anything tight, or what i would use for fretted. a pre/power amp thing, atm

D.A.R.K. · #14 12-28-2010, 11:36 PM

my fav cab for fretless so far would be an swr
henry 8x8. i didn't like it with fretted basses or for
any serious low end content, but the fretless just sang with it
and cut through 2 guitars and drums like a hot knife through butter.... i never had any trouble hearing my intonation with that cab. i never have any problem getting a nice sound with any decent rig if i work realistically within its' limitations, but that particular cab still sticks out in my mind even though i owned it probably over 15 years ago at this point.

OldogNewTrick · #15 12-29-2010, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77PBass

Lookup Fernando Saunders on youtube for the awesomest fretless rig on earth!

I did. Whatever he's playing is small and well hidden.....

JimmyM · #16 12-29-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldogNewTrick

I did. Whatever he's playing is small and well hidden.....

i saw him playing with lou reed once using two svt's and two 810s.

Sartori · #17 12-29-2010, 03:01 AM

I only have one rig. So that.

ghiadub · #18 12-29-2010, 03:27 AM

I normally use my walkabout with a few bag end cabs for my "big rig" but for fretless I really like the walkabout in it's own combo, mine is a 12".

There seems to be a little sumthin in the lower mids that warms up nice in the combo that is not there with other cabs.

nukes_da_bass · #19 12-29-2010, 04:17 AM

Mesa Boogie 400+, Avatar 2x10 Neo and Ampeg 115HE with a cheap Peavey Black Widow Driver...
Best Fretless Rig For Metal!

77PBass · #20 12-29-2010, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldogNewTrick

I did. Whatever he's playing is small and well hidden.....

Sorry...last time I trolled for FS there wasn't much.

I've seen him using 2 EV 18" Folded Horn Subs with 2 2x10 tops and a rack with what I think was a U5 and Corown power amps.

Fernando gets an great sound live on his 5 string fretless Modulus. The low B is earth shattering. He is a great, under appreciated IMO bass player and musician. Check out his work on Lou Reed's album The Blue Mask with Robert Quine on guitar.